Microsoft vs. Apple: Zune is unleashed
Jared Johnson
Issue date: 11/27/06 Section: Features
Zune, the new music player by Microsoft, competes steadily with Apple's iPod with over 30,000 retailers selling the product.
Ever since the iPod was unveiled the demand for a trendy music player is constantly on the rise. The iPod saved Apple from their struggles with monetary funds, and these days it is quite trendy for everyone to have one.
Microsoft however, is following a similar pattern and is stepping up their game when it comes to consumer electronics. In addition to their highly coveted Xbox, Microsoft has launched their own version of an mp3 player, Zune.
On Nov. 14, Zune was unleashed to the public, and many technology critics did not like what they saw. Critics complained about security and the aesthetics in design, but Zune steadily rose to the top as 30,000 retailers snatched the product up and are currently selling it.
Zune is much bulkier and thicker than the iPod, yet it is very rugged, robust and also has scratchproof elements in which iPod lacks. For $250 you can receive this electronic powerhouse that is much more powerful than iPod. Zune features a three-inch color screen, 30GB of storage space, an FM tuner and a 14-day trial of unlimited music downloads. Moreover, Zune is very compatible with iTunes, allowing you to play all your iTunes content without difficulty.
Another great function Zune boasts that iPod lacks is its ability to wirelessly connect to other Zune devices, allowing them to share music, play lists, video and pictures.
Many accessories can be purchased to spruce up your Zune device. The car package allows for the maximization of your car stereo with Zune. A built-in FM transmitter and car charger are some of the products in this package. The travel pack is perfect for those who want to take their music to the road. Zune premium earphones, Zune dual connect remote, Zune gear bag, Zune sync cable and the Zune AC adapter are all part of this package.
The final Zune assortment offered by Microsoft is the home entertainment package. With this package, you can integrate Zune into your home system and play all tunes using your existing sound system. Zune AV output cable, Zune dock, Zune sync cable, Zune AC adapter, and the Zune wireless remote are part of this package.
Overall, Zune is a great product quickly gaining momentum from everyday consumers who want something better and more exclusive than the iPod. With so many packages and functions Zune has, it is going to quickly affect the iPod market, creating the new fad of everyone on the street with a Zune at hand.
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Microsoft however, is following a similar pattern and is stepping up their game when it comes to consumer electronics. In addition to their highly coveted Xbox, Microsoft has launched their own version of an mp3 player, Zune.
On Nov. 14, Zune was unleashed to the public, and many technology critics did not like what they saw. Critics complained about security and the aesthetics in design, but Zune steadily rose to the top as 30,000 retailers snatched the product up and are currently selling it.
Zune is much bulkier and thicker than the iPod, yet it is very rugged, robust and also has scratchproof elements in which iPod lacks. For $250 you can receive this electronic powerhouse that is much more powerful than iPod. Zune features a three-inch color screen, 30GB of storage space, an FM tuner and a 14-day trial of unlimited music downloads. Moreover, Zune is very compatible with iTunes, allowing you to play all your iTunes content without difficulty.
Another great function Zune boasts that iPod lacks is its ability to wirelessly connect to other Zune devices, allowing them to share music, play lists, video and pictures.
Many accessories can be purchased to spruce up your Zune device. The car package allows for the maximization of your car stereo with Zune. A built-in FM transmitter and car charger are some of the products in this package. The travel pack is perfect for those who want to take their music to the road. Zune premium earphones, Zune dual connect remote, Zune gear bag, Zune sync cable and the Zune AC adapter are all part of this package.
The final Zune assortment offered by Microsoft is the home entertainment package. With this package, you can integrate Zune into your home system and play all tunes using your existing sound system. Zune AV output cable, Zune dock, Zune sync cable, Zune AC adapter, and the Zune wireless remote are part of this package.
Overall, Zune is a great product quickly gaining momentum from everyday consumers who want something better and more exclusive than the iPod. With so many packages and functions Zune has, it is going to quickly affect the iPod market, creating the new fad of everyone on the street with a Zune at hand.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 38
Vivifiant
Vivifiant
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:30 AM CST
I just hope for Microsoft the ZUNE has more reliable software than the crash prone Windows XP SP2 which seems to be a beta version compared to Max OS X. (Continued…)
DB
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:30 AM CST
Qucikly gaining momentum my ass Microsoft Fanboy.
Yeah Right
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:30 AM CST
The iPod saved Apple from their struggles with monetary funds? The car package allows for the maximization of your car stereo with Zune?
Was this written by an eighth grader?
Bryan Wilcox
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:39 AM CST
:) Seriously, that's some nice writing Jared. But, IMO, you picked the wrong product to endorse. Mark my words, the zune will go nowhere.
I waited in line for 6 hours with about 60 people waiting for a Wii. (Continued…)
Jarod
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:41 AM CST
Get real. Zune belongs in one place and one place only...the GARBAGE! along with everything else from microscrap.
James Katt
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:55 AM CST
You have got to be kidding!
Zune Sucks!
Zune IS NOT compatible with iTunes. Duh. It isn't even compatible with Microsoft's Play-for-sure songs such as songs from Rhapsody, Wal-Mart, Napster, etc. (Continued…)
Dru Richman
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:56 AM CST
You said - 'but Zune steadily rose to the top as 30,000 retailers snatched the product up and are currently selling it. '
Maybe - but if you check on Amazon. (Continued…)
James Katt
posted 11/27/06 @ 9:57 AM CST
You have got to be kidding! What rocks have you been living under?
Zune Sucks!
Zune IS NOT compatible with iTunes. Duh. It isn't even compatible with Microsoft's Play-for-sure songs such as songs from Rhapsody, Wal-Mart, Napster, etc. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 11/27/06 @ 10:07 AM CST
There are many inaccurate statements in this article. The most glaring one is that the Zune will not play your itunes songs nor will it play any other music services' songs, even other music services sponsored by Microsoft, just their Zune music store. (Continued…)
coco99
Zune
posted 11/27/06 @ 10:24 AM CST
The Zune is a young product. We need to wait at least 12 to 18 months before we can say if it can really be an iPod tough competitor or not.
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